Not one to shy away from making a statement, Kelly Wearstler used hundreds of resin tortoise shells on the walls of the La Marea Restaurant at The Tides South Beach. Most of the tortoise shells I’ve seen at Round Top or Antiques stores are real, and after confirming with my husband that a turtle must die in order to get their shell, I just couldn’t do it…so I decided to hold out for a great resin version.

I spotted this large shell at Mecox in Dallas and it looked like resin to me, but they wanted quite a pretty penny for it.

Seeing as how my apartment is a chock-full of furniture, I’ve decided to put further furniture acquisitions on hold until we finally find a place to call our own (although I might get crafty with a headboard). My focus has been shifted towards accessories. I’ve spent way too much money snagging up accessories that are just so-so from major big-box chains and then hating them 6 months later. In fact, I have an entire walk-in closet full such impulse purchases. Now I’m focused on buying things I really love – flea market or high brow. Here are a few pics of my favorite accessories that I’ve had my eye on…

{I’d kill for these obelisks from Mrs. Howard – and the lamp for that matter}

After seeing Paloma’s post on these Penguin Classic books, I think these are a must have.

I’m always anxious to see what color pairing will be hot next (like the new grey/yellow). When I saw this bedroom by Phoebe Howard I wondered if I would ever think to put these two colors together. I think the repetition of the fabric and the graphic statement made by symmetry and rhythm (to throw out some ol’ elements of design) make this bedroom really work.

I have always been drawn to geometric fabrics and wall-coverings, especially in seemingly traditional spaces. I call this a “graphic punch.” Repetition, symmetry, contrast or a very specific color scheme are the elements that make a graphic room successful.

Kelly Wearstler is in my opinion the modern day master of said “graphic punch.”

Ruthie Sommers used a green/white geometric print on two chairs in this cheerful Living Room. If you are willing to commit to such a print on something other than a pillow, small-scale chairs are perfect for experimentation.

I used Kravet’s “Diamante” in this bathroom.

Geometric wall-coverings are not for the faint of heart, but I love them! This Beacon Hill apartment meshes traditional furniture with a bold but neutral geometric wallpaper.

After reading Things That Inspire’s fabulous sunburst mirror post I fell in love with the work of Phoebe Howard and her husband, Jim. This bedroom as seen on their website has inspired me to re-create the canopy in my own Master Bedroom. Be sure to check out Phoebe’s portfolio, there are some amazing spaces!